Apple releases visionOS SDK for developers

This revolutionary spatial computer represents Apple’s foray into the realm of spatial computing, offering users a unique way to interact with digital content in their physical surroundings using natural inputs like their eyes, hands, and voice.

Unleashing the Potential with visionOS and Infinite Canvas

With visionOS, the world’s first spatial operating system, Vision Pro unlocks limitless possibilities by seamlessly blending digital content with the physical world.

This opens up an entirely new class of spatial computing apps for developers, enabling extraordinary experiences. The infinite canvas in Vision Pro offers an expansive platform for creativity and innovation.

Empowering Developers with Advanced Tools

The visionOS SDK equips developers with powerful and distinctive capabilities to create immersive app experiences across diverse categories such as productivity, design, and gaming.

Apple will soon establish developer labs in multiple global locations (Cupertino, London, Munich, Shanghai, Singapore, and Tokyo), providing hands-on experience to test apps on Apple Vision Pro hardware and offer support from Apple engineers. Additionally, developers can apply for developer kits to expedite the development, iteration, and testing of their apps directly on Apple Vision Pro.

Leveraging Familiar Frameworks for Seamless Development

Developers can leverage familiar foundational frameworks from other Apple platforms, including Xcode, SwiftUI, RealityKit, ARKit, and TestFlight, to harness the groundbreaking features of Apple Vision Pro.

These robust tools enable the creation of various app types with different levels of immersion, such as windows with depth and 3D content, viewable volumes from any angle, and fully immersive spaces with unbounded 3D content.

To optimize 3D content for visionOS apps and games, developers can utilize the Reality Composer Pro tool available with Xcode, ensuring stunning visuals. Furthermore, developers can explore and test their apps in the visionOS simulator, simulating different room layouts and lighting conditions. Accessibility features are integrated into every developer framework to ensure inclusivity for all users.

Availability

Beginning next month, developers working with Unity’s powerful authoring tools for building 3D apps and games can seamlessly port their Unity apps to Apple Vision Pro, harnessing its powerful capabilities.

Members of the Apple Developer Program can access the updated visionOS SDK, Xcode, Simulator, and Reality Composer Pro through developer.apple.com.

Commenting on the launch, Susan Prescott, Apple’s Vice President of Worldwide Developer Relations, said:

Apple Vision Pro is a game-changer for computing platforms. Developers can use familiar frameworks to build visionOS apps and take their development to the next level with innovative tools like Reality Composer Pro. Spatial computing unlocks new opportunities for developers to create unique experiences for their users, whether it’s connecting, being productive, or enjoying new types of entertainment. We’re excited to see what our developer community will create.

The release of the VisionOS SDK is likely part of a larger strategy by Apple to establish itself as a major player in the mixed reality market. While other companies like Microsoft and Facebook have already released their own MR devices, Apple has a massive user base and a reputation for delivering high-quality, user-friendly products. If Apple can successfully enter the mixed reality market, it could have a major impact on the future of the technology.

Of course, there are still many unknowns when it comes to Apple’s MR device and the impact it will have on the market. For example, we don’t yet know what the device will look like, how much it will cost, or what kind of experiences it will be capable of delivering. However, the release of the VisionOS SDK is a promising sign that Apple is serious about mixed reality and is actively working to develop the technology.

In conclusion, the release of the VisionOS SDK is an important development for Apple and the mixed reality market as a whole. The new SDK provides developers with the tools they need to create immersive, interactive experiences for Apple’s upcoming mixed-reality device. While the device itself is still shrouded in mystery, the release of the SDK is a promising sign that Apple is committed to the technology and is actively working to establish itself as a major player in the mixed reality market. It will be interesting to see how developers use the VisionOS SDK to create innovative new experiences and how consumers react to Apple’s entry into the mixed reality space.